Hiking: Joliet Iron Works Historic SiteAfter our initial visit to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie , we needed a place to stop for a picnic lunch. Happily, I had scoped out the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site earlier and knew it was on our way home. The first time I saw this location on Atlas ...﻿

RockNBlog: Cross Training AppsIf there is one thing I could tell my younger, fitter self, it would be to not lose fitness, because it is hell getting it back. A lot easier to put pounds off than to put them on and, if you don't continue pushing yourself, you get bored or injured, and th...﻿

Hiking: Midewin National Tallgrass PrairieDuring last week's #HikerChat , I was complaining (sort of) about the fact that my nearest National Forests are more than six hours away. The National Forests Foundation suggested I visit the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. I had thought about it before...﻿

Communities

Idaho Wines: Ste Chapelle WineryFounded in 1975 in Emmett, Idaho, Ste. Chapelle , moved to Caldwell in 1978, and now produces wines from Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah from the Snake River Valley appellation. With a total production capacity o...﻿

50 States of Wine is a plan to visit a winery and craft brewery in each of the 50 states. Along the way, I will visit restaurants, wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms interviewing chefs, winemakers and growers, brewers, foodies, and more.

Idaho Wines: Sawtooth WineryFormerly known as Pintler Cellars, Sawtooth Winery was founded in 1987 in Idaho’s Snake River Valley. Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier are planted in two vineyards, Sawtooth and Skyline, totaling about 470 acres. Total production ...﻿

50 States of Wine is a plan to visit a winery and craft brewery in each of the 50 states. Along the way, I will visit restaurants, wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms interviewing chefs, winemakers and growers, brewers, foodies, and more.

Restaurant Review: DMK Burger Bar, LombardSometimes you hear about a restaurant long before you actually make a visit. That was the case for us with the Lombard location of DMK Burger Bar . It's a place I've wanted to check out for a while, but it never quite worked out. This year, for Father's Day...﻿

50 States of Wine is a plan to visit a winery and craft brewery in each of the 50 states. Along the way, I will visit restaurants, wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms interviewing chefs, winemakers and growers, brewers, foodies, and more.

Hell Hike and Raft: Rain GearIt seems like this has been an especially wet Spring and Summer, which has given me ample opportunity to test out rain gear to bring along on Hell Hike And Raft , though I hope it's not necessary there. The final gear I've collected has been gathered over m...﻿

Indiana Wines: Oliver Winery and VineyardsLocated in Bloomington, Indiana, and started in the 60s as a hobby, Oliver Winery now annual sales exceed 320,000 cases. Definitely more than a hobby. Sourcing grapes from a variety of growers, Creekbend Vineyard is Oliver Winery's commitment to the product...﻿

50 States of Wine is a plan to visit a winery and craft brewery in each of the 50 states. Along the way, I will visit restaurants, wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms interviewing chefs, winemakers and growers, brewers, foodies, and more.

I’m a transplanted Southern Californian living in the Midwest. It’s taken some time, and plenty of searching, to appreciate the nature we have here. In the Midwest we don’t have the jagged peaks or deep canyons others do, but we do have trails to run and hike, rivers to canoe and kayak, and forests to explore. In winter we make do with ski hills, ride fat tire bikes, winter camp and snowshoe to revisit favorite spots.

Wannemaker's is expensive, but we've gone there because they are somewhat local. Today it took 30 minutes to check out because their Internet connection was down -- no discount, no effort to get it done quickly. I won't be back.